The City is embarking upon the preparation of its first-ever master plan for all of its parks, open space areas, buildings, and other recreational facilities. Planning began in June 2007, and is expected to conclude in April 2008. The purpose of the master plan is to provide the City with a long term vision for its park system, by identifying needs and creating a plan of action to implement needed improvements and changes to the existing parks system. The plan will also include a strategy for funding the capital improvements, and for ongoing operation and maintenance. The planning process will include numerous opportunities for the community to take part, through public meetings, workshops, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, website outreach, and a scientifically valid telephone survey.

Project Background

The City of San Carlos has a strong commitment to providing high quality parks and recreation programs for our community members. Over the past six years, the Parks and Recreation Department has been honored by the California Park and Recreation Society with 15 statewide and 48 district awards. The Department currently operates or maintains 15 parks totaling 144 acres, 15 acres of medians and 3 sites of non-conforming open space parcels, City owned street trees, one recreation center, one youth center, one special needs facility, one adult community center, City Hall, the Library, 12 tennis courts, and seven athletic fields.

As the Department strives to build upon this commitment, it recognizes the need for a comprehensive framework to guide key decisions. Up to this point the Parks and Recreation Department has not operated under a formal master plan, and as a result, decisions have been made and action taken on a case-by-case basis.

The City’s decision to develop a master plan for parks, open space, buildings, and other recreation facilities will create a strategic plan for improvements to the entire system

Purpose of the Master Plan

The Parks and Recreation Department faces many challenges in the coming years, ranging from budget issues, to aging facilities and parks, to a shortage of buildable land. In addition, the composition of the community and the priorities of our residents are evolving. A Master Plan will allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to address these changes and priorities in a purposeful way.

The Master Plan will:

• Inventory and analyze all existing parks and recreation facilities located in the city
• Identify needs of San Carlos residents for parks and recreation programs
• Identify and prioritize improvements of existing parks, open space, buildings and other recreational facilities
• Identify and prioritize additional parks, open space, buildings and other recreational facilities that may be needed in San Carlos
• Develop a prioritized plan of action
• Incorporate probable costs of the improvements, including capital costs, staffing and maintenance needs
• Identify potential funding sources and mechanisms.